CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

Everyone loves Halloween. It gives us the chance to be something we are not. However, it is important to choose a costume that does not offend others, or you run the risk of committing cultural appropriation.

What is cultural appropriation?

Cultural appropriation, in basic terms, is the act of taking parts of a culture that are not your own. An example of cultural appropriation is a white individual dressing up as a Native American.

Nature of Controversy

Some people think that it's exceedingly disrespectful. For example, if someone undertakes the “black face”, which is when they tan or put makeup not of their skin color to make themselves seem like they are black, it would be considered impolite to that race.

In the process of interviewing 7th graders in Ms. Mueller's speech and debate class, most of the class agreed that the black face is not appropriate whatsoever.

One individual from 7th grade emphasized that , “wearing a costume that could be racist or cultural appropriation depends on how or why you wear it”. Another individual commented and said, “some people don’t know that what they are doing could be disrespectful or offensive to another person”.

Celebrity dressed up as character from the show “Orange is the New Black” by putting makeup on her face to make her face look darker then her regular skin tone.

How far does cultural appropriation go? Is wearing a Native American headdress or a kimono disrespectful? Some people don’t know to what extent it can go. When you are uncertain whether or not to wear a costume,be certain that you are not to perform cultural appropriation.